Harper, Jonathan. Daydreamers. Lethe Press, 2015. 153p. PB. 978-1-59021-296-7. $15.00.

Jonathan Harper begins the last story in Daydreamers with “It is a strange story.” I found this unusual because all the stories are quite strange, offering the readers an assortment of young men who for the most part haven’t found their way in life. As the back page blurb puts it, “Ne’er-do-wells, prodigal sons, and young men without so much as a clue to their present state of mind let alone their futures.”

Although Harper has published his stories in various venues, this is his first published collection. With a recently-earned MFA in creative writing from American University, he has tackled difficult stories with skill and compassion. Most of the men are gay, and there is some sex in the stories–but not enjoyed by the participants or me, the reader. I look forward to future writing by Harper. He is a talented writer, but I hope he creates somewhat more inspiring characters next time.

I recommend this collection to libraries and individuals interested in new gay writing.

James Doig Anderson
Professor Emeritus of Library and Information Science, Rutgers University